Educational, School, & Family Programs
School visits to MHS are available in a modified format due to COVID-19. Please email Kathleen Neumann at kneumann@mainehistory.org for updated information.
Welcome educators! The Maine Historical Society offers a variety of programs and resources designed to help teachers and students explore Maine history. These include programs at our one-acre campus in Portland and in schools across the state, professional development opportunities for teachers, outreach programs, partnerships with schools around Maine, and resources on the web.
All programs draw on MHS's extensive historical collections and the knowledge of our professional staff. All our programs can be adapted to meet the needs of students in grades K–16 and have been designed in accordance with Maine Learning Results and Common Core State Standards.
Distance Learning Resources
Virtual Resources
We are happy to work with schools and homeschooling families to bring MHS to the classroom virtually. You can schedule a virtual field trip by contacting Kathleen Neumann at kneumann@mainehistory.org. See our Online Resources for more virtual tools.
Does MHS offer distance learning programs or opportunities?
Yes! MHS has a number of free online learning resources for K-12 and postsecondary educators, students, and classrooms. You may download any of our lesson plans for classroom learning, and access the videos and online exhibit activities in our Virtual Learning Hub.
You can schedule a virtual field trip for your classroom by contacting Kathleen Neumann at kneumann@mainehistory.org. For virtual field trip descriptions, visit our Virtual Learning Hub.
K-16 Educational Programs
What are the K-16 educational programs offered by MHS?
Elementary School
Middle and High School
Colleges and Universities
Library Educational Programs (all grade levels)
What is the length of each program?
Each of MHS's education programs lasts approximately one hour. Programs can be combined for two and three hour visits.
What is the cost of each program?
On Site Programs:
- up to 15 students: $75
- 16-31 students: $150
- 31-50 students: $225
Classroom Visits:
Cost for classroom visits range from no cost to $60. Please see the individual program descriptions for pricing.
How can I schedule a visit to MHS with my students?
Request a date, time, and program for your class or school
What do I need to know when planning a visit with my students to MHS?
Before you visit, check out orientation video, "The Top 5 Things You Need To Know". Hosted by our 2015 Junior Docents, this short video gives a quick tour of the MHS campus and is a great way to prepare students for what they will see and learn about during their visit. View Orientation Video.
Lesson Plans
Maine Historical Society creates and hosts lesson plans for K-12 and postsecondary classrooms here on Maine Memory Network. We also accept Maine history lesson plans from teachers of all grade levels statewide. Our current offerings include:
- A searchable database of all lesson plans hosted on Maine Memory Network, created by MHS educators, collaborators, and independent educators.
- A list of all lesson plans currently hosted on Maine Memory Network.
Want to submit your own lesson plan to Maine Memory Network? Please check out our lesson plan guidelines to get started!
Online Resources
We offer many resources online for distance learning and research. See some highlighted projects below or explore more details on our Online Resources page.
Maine Memory Network
Maine's statewide, FREE, digital museum with a collection of more than 47,000 primary sources and objects, exhibits, and lesson plans!
Virtual Learning Hub
Lessons, videos, and activities designed for virtual distance learning and ideal for students who are working independently and outside the classroom.
Bicentennial Education Initiative
Maine Bicentennial in the Classroom
Throughout 2019-2020, Maine Historical Society created, collected, and shared bicentennial-related history and resources in commemoration of the 200th year of Maine statehood. Visit our Bicentennial Initiative section on Maine Memory Network.
Longfellow Online
Information about Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, including lesson plans and the poetry database!
Professional Development and State Initiatives
Professional Development for Teachers
Learn about our teacher workshops and other opportunities and offerings just for educators.
Youth Camps & Family Programs
MHS is not offering youth camps at this time due to COVID-19. Please check back for updated information.
Maine Historical Society is a great place for families to visit and spend a day! Learn more about what there is to see and do by planning your visit and checking out our calendar of events.
For more questions or more information, contact the Curator of Education & Public Programs at (207) 774-1822 x214 or by email.
